The plants I have listed here may not all be strictly Alpines by horticultural right, but more truly are dwarf perennials. I have placed in this Category all the plants that grow less than 30cm high and do well in my own Rock Garden - thus I have listed them as Alpines for the sake of this website.
(An Alpine is more correctly a plant that grows in a high altitude place above the tree line. A place of harsh conditions, low temperatures, short growing season and dryness as well). Some of listed plants are natives of alpine areas of Europe but have adapted over a long period to New Zealand, both by time and breeding. All the listed plants are hardy - if a plant variety has to be "nursed" along in my nursery then they unfortunately get to live in the compost bin!
Dwarf Bearded Iris
A beautiful deep purple wine Iris. A striking little Iris.